Effects of isometric quadriceps strength training at different muscle lengths on dynamic torque production

This study aims to (1) determine whether isometric training at a short vs. long quadriceps muscle length affects concentric torque production; (2) examine the relationship between muscle hypertrophy and concentric torque; and (3) determine whether changes in fascicle length are associated with changes in concentric torque. Sixteen men performed isometric training at a short (SL, n = 8) or a long muscle length (LL, n = 8). Changes in maximal concentric torque were measured at 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240 and 300 rad · s−1. The relationships between the changes in concentric torque, cross-sectional area, volume and fascicle length were tested. Concentric torque increased significantly after training only in LL and at angular velocities of 30 and 120 rad · s−1 by 12–13% (P < 0.05). Muscle size increased in LL only, the changes were correlated (r = 0.73–0.93, P < 0.05) with the changes in concentric torque. Vastus lateralis (VL) fascicle length increased in both groups (5.4 ± 4.9%, P = 0.001) but the change was not correlated with changes in concentric torque in either group. Isometric training-induced increases in muscle size and concentric torque were best elicited by training at long muscle lengths. These results highlight a clear muscle length dependence of isometric training on dynamic torque production

An examination of the factors associated with participation among ambulatory adolescents with cerebral palsy

......Action Medical Research ref: GN2340 (M_The development and evaluation of a resistance training programme to improve gait efficiency and increase physical activity and participation in adolescents with cerebral palsy); Action Medical Research and Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Charitable Trust (The feasibility, acceptability and efficacy of resistance training for adolescents with cerebral palsy: a randomised controlled trial)

Acceptability of a progressive resistance training programme for ambulatory adolescents with spastic cerebral palsy in England: a qualitative study

Data availability statement: Data are not available.Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the acceptability of a 10-week progressive resistance training programme from the perspective of ambulatory adolescents with CP and physiotherapists. Material and Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 32 adolescents with spastic CP, aged 10–19 years in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I–III, and 13 physiotherapists. Adolescents had completed a 10-week progressive resistance training programme and physiotherapists had delivered the programme. The Framework Method was used to analyse data. Results: The analysis identified four themes. “It’s do-able” described the acceptability of the programme structure, including the frequency of sessions and the duration of the programme. “They were difficult but I did it” described the acceptability of the exercises. “It is completely different,” explored the experience of using equipment to progress the programme and “I wish I could do it on a permanent basis” discussed continuing to participate in resistance training. Conclusions: Findings suggest that resistance training is largely acceptable to adolescents and physiotherapists. Acceptability was enhanced by having a weekly supervised session and being able to adapt and progress the exercises to meet the individual’s ability. However, there are challenges to implementing progressive resistance training as part of routine practice.Clinical trial registration number: ISRCTN90378161Action Medical Research and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Charitable Trust have jointly funded this project, and it is supported by a generous grant from The Henry Smith Charity (GN2340

Assessment of upper limb use in children with typical development and neurodevelopmental disorders by inertial sensors: A systematic review

© 2018 The Author(s). Understanding development of bimanual upper limb (UL) activities in both typical and atypical conditions in children is important for: i) tailoring rehabilitation programs, ii) monitoring progress, iii) determining outcomes and iv) evaluating effectiveness of treatment/rehabilitation. Recent technological advances, such as wearable sensors, offer possibilities to perform standard medical monitoring. Body-worn motion sensors, mainly accelerometers, have shown very promising results but, so far, these studies have mainly focused on adults. The main aim of this review was to report the evidence of UL activity of both typically developing (TD) children and children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) that are reliably reported and comparable, using a combination of multiple wearable inertial sensors, both in laboratory and natural settings. Articles were selected from three research databases (PubMed, Web of Science and EBSCO). Included studies reported data on children aged 0-20 years old simultaneously wearing at least two inertial sensors on upper extremities. The collected and reported data were relevant in order to describe the amount of physical activity performed by the two ULs separately. A total of 21 articles were selected: 11 including TD, and 10 regarding NDDs. For each article, a review of both clinical and technical data was performed. We considered inertial sensors used for following aims: (i) to establish activity intensity cut-points; (ii) to investigate validity and reliability of specified markers, placement and/or number of inertial sensors; (iii) to evaluate duration and intensity of natural UL movements, defined motor tasks and tremor; and (iv) to assess efficacy of certain rehabilitation protocols. Our conclusions were that inertial sensors are able to detect differences in use between both hands and that all reviewed studies support use of accelerometers as an objective outcome measure, appropriate in assessing UL activity in young children with NDDs and determining intervention effectiveness. Further research on responsiveness to interventions and consistency with use in real-world settings is needed. This information could be useful in planning UL rehabilitation strategies

Implementing Ultrasound Imaging for the Assessment of Muscle and Tendon Properties in Elite Sports: Practical Aspects, Methodological Considerations and Future Directions.

Ultrasound (US) imaging has been widely used in both research and clinical settings to evaluate the morphological and mechanical properties of muscle and tendon. In elite sports scenarios, a regular assessment of such properties has great potential, namely for testing the response to training, detecting athletes at higher risks of injury, screening athletes for structural abnormalities related to current or future musculoskeletal complaints, and monitoring their return to sport after a musculoskeletal injury. However, several practical and methodological aspects of US techniques should be considered when applying this technology in the elite sports context. Therefore, this narrative review aims to (1) present the principal US measures and field of applications in the context of elite sports; (2) to discuss, from a methodological perspective, the strengths and shortcomings of US imaging for the assessment of muscle and tendon properties; and (3) to provide future directions for research and application